Sustainable Cannabis Packaging Solutions

Greener Cannabis Packaging: PP Plastics and Biodegradable Solutions 

In Canada’s legal cannabis market, packaging waste has quickly become a serious issue. An estimated 5.8–6.4 million kilograms of cannabis packaging ended up in landfills from 2018 to 2019 alone​.

No surprise, consumers are pushing for change: 66.6% of Canadian cannabis consumers say sustainable packaging is important to them​ 

Cannabis producers are now exploring greener packaging to reduce waste and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. 

Polypropylene (PP) – Recyclable and Eco-Friendly 

Polypropylene plastic has emerged as a top sustainable packaging material in the cannabis industry. Commonly used in pop-top tubes and containers, PP (#5 plastic) is lightweight, durable, and widely recyclable. Using recyclable PP helps keep plastic out of landfills and lowers carbon footprints – making packaging from recycled PP cuts greenhouse gas emissions by over 40% compared to virgin plastic.

Biodegradable Packaging Options

Biodegradable and compostable packaging is another innovation boosting sustainability. Some cannabis packages now use bio-based plastics that break down much faster than traditional plastic, minimizing long-term pollution.

For example, a compostable pre-roll tube can decompose in about 2 years in a home compost pile, leaving no microplastic residue​.

Even some PP pop-top tubes include special additives that enable them to biodegrade in landfill conditions if they aren’t recycled. These options ensure that even if packaging is discarded, it won’t persist in the environment for centuries. 

Adopting eco-friendly packaging helps producers meet consumer expectations and stay ahead of regulations. Canada is moving toward requiring 50% recycled content in plastic packaging by 2030​, So embracing recyclable or biodegradable solutions now makes business sense. By choosing greener options like PP pop-top tubes, cannabis brands can reduce waste and strengthen their environmental reputation. 

Learn more about sustainable cannabis packaging solutions at MedLock.